Two Egyptian nationals were kidnapped this week in Beirut, according to security sources. The kidnappers have reportedly requested a ransom of US$12,000 for their release.
The sister of one of those kidnapped said her family and residents of her village had collected the ransom and paid off the kidnappers, but said her brother and the other captive had not yet been released.
She called on President Hosni Mubarak and Foreign Minister Ahmed Abul Gheit to intervene on behalf of the two men.
Mohamed Hassan Khidr, 21, and Nabih Ahmed al-Sayed, 23, were kidnapped five days ago. They had worked at a gas station in the Antonios district of Beirut.
“The kidnappers called me and demanded the ransom,” said Mohamed Metwalli, a friend of one of the two kidnapped men. “And they told me not to go to the police.”
“I asked the Egyptian embassy to contribute money, but embassy officials refused,” he added.
Translated from the Arabic Edition.
